 Washing Machine belt siezing. Brand: Amana Model Number: LWA50AW Age: 5 - 10 years
My wife first brought to my attention that something was wrong because the washer started smoking. I opened it up and found that the drive belt had burned through due to friction. As the belt was worn and cracked I thought that maybe it was the belt. I replaced it and tried the machine - it seemed to work fine, although it was louder than normal especially during the spin cycle. A few days later it smoked again. This time it did not burn all the way through the belt. I checked what I could and tried it again and it worked fine again, for about 3 weeks, then it did it again. I learned that if I spun the basket by hand before starting the machine it seemed to work. Last night it did it to my wife again. The only noticable things Ive found are a little rust around the sealed bearing at the base of the outer tub and the loud droaning sound when its spinning at speed. I am assuming that a bearing or the clutch is intermitantly siezing. please help. What do you suggest I do or replace? I want to do the repair myself because by the time I would pay to have it done I may as well buy a new set. Thanks, AH | 
